Conditional Strength: When Weakness Becomes Strength
Reflections on Abide Above – December 27
Weakness or Strength?
"My grace is sufficient for thee: for My strength is made perfect in weakness" (2 Cor. 12:9a).
For many, weakness feels like a flaw, a barrier to growth and effectiveness in the Christian life. Yet, as today’s devotional reminds us, the real hindrance isn’t weakness—it’s the deceptive strength of the old self. When we rely on our natural strength, the result is self-occupation, striving, and resistance to the Spirit’s leading.
But God offers a better way: the Cross for our cursed strength and the Lord Jesus for our blessed weakness.
Broken to Be Whole
One of the most astonishing truths of the Christian life is that strength is found not in self-reliance but in surrender. As Paul writes, “When I am weak, then am I strong” (2 Cor. 12:10).
This principle is foundational for spiritual growth and service. When we are brought to the end of ourselves, we finally make room for Christ to live His life through us. It’s in our brokenness that His strength shines most brightly.
C.H. Mackintosh captures this beautifully:
"All of His servants in the Word stand before us as vivid illustrations of the value and necessity of broken material. All had to be broken in order to be made whole—to be emptied in order to be filled—to learn that, of themselves, they could do nothing, in order to be ready, in the Lord Jesus’ strength, for anything and everything."
From Straitness to Expansion
Weakness and hardship are not the end; they are the means to God’s ultimate purpose. As today’s devotional reminds us:
"Straitness is the pathway to expansion; poverty is the pathway to abundance."
In our weaknesses—our limitations, struggles, and inabilities—we are drawn closer to Christ. It’s here that His power rests upon us (2 Cor. 12:9b). Instead of resisting these moments, we can embrace them, knowing they are the pathway to greater spiritual abundance.
Living in His Strength
To live in Christ’s strength, we must let go of our own. This means:
Acknowledging our limitations: Recognizing that we are incapable of living the Christian life in our own strength.
Trusting His sufficiency: Believing that His grace is enough for every challenge we face.
Glorying in our weaknesses: Embracing our infirmities, not as defeats, but as opportunities for Christ to work through us.
When we walk this way, we experience a “largeness of heart,” as the devotional puts it—a freedom from petty, selfish concerns that often hinder God’s work in our lives.
Reflect & Respond
Take a moment to reflect:
Are you relying on your own strength to live the Christian life or letting Christ live His life through you?
How might embracing your weaknesses open the door for God’s power to rest upon you?
Pray this:
“Lord, thank You for showing me that Your grace is sufficient and Your strength is made perfect in my weakness. I confess the times I’ve relied on my own strength. Thank You for crucifying the old man and raising me to walk in newness of life. I long to embrace my weaknesses so that Your power may rest upon me. May Your life flow through me for Your glory. Amen.”
A Final Thought
Weakness is not a flaw to overcome; it is a gift that draws us closer to Christ. In our brokenness, we discover His strength. Let’s rejoice in our infirmities, knowing that through them, the power of Christ rests upon us.
As Paul reminds us, “Most gladly, therefore, will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me” (2 Cor. 12:9b).
Let’s live today in His strength, trusting His grace for every need.